Chlamydia

This infection is easily passed on through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. It can also be caught by sharing sex toys with someone who has Chlamydia.

What are the symptoms?

Most people who have Chlamydia have no symptoms. However, in some cases it may cause:

• Pain when urinating or during sex
• Bleeding after sex
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• In women, irregular bleeding between periods.

You can find out more about Chlamydia here

How is it treated?

Chlamydia can usually be treated with one simple course of antibiotics.

What happens if Chlamydia isn’t treated?

If left untreated the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing more serious problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can cause long term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy which occurs outside the womb) and infertility in women, and painful infection of the testicles and reduced fertility in men.

How do I get tested?

Fastest is a fast and convenient sexual health testing service run by Terrence Higgins Trust in your local community. All our clinical services are provided by trained staff using NHS approved testing kits and are totally confidential and free.

Self screening for Chlamydia

You can find us at local events and locations across the country. Our staff will be happy to talk through any issues as well as offer you a Chlamydia screening there and then, or give you a free take away kit to use at your convenience. These kits are easy to use and contain simple instructions, a pot for a urine sample and a cotton wool swab for women to take a further sample from inside the vagina. Simply complete the form and post the sample(s) back to us in the freepost envelope supplied.

Visiting one of our clinics

You can drop-in to our Fastest clinics without an appointment to be screened for Chlamydia. The screening process is fast and simple and trained staff are available to talk through any concerns you may have.

Getting your results

We will let you know your results by phone, text, post or email – your choice – usually a week later. If your results are positive then you will need to visit one of our clinics to receive treatment which is totally free and confidential.